John Bulwer

English physician and early advocate for the education of the deaf

John Bulwer (baptised 16 May 1606 – buried 16 October 1656) was an English physician and early advocate for the education of the deaf. He is notable for his pioneering work in the study of sign language and the use of gestures as a means of communication. Bulwer's contributions to the understanding of human communication and sensory perception were significant in the 17th century.

Early Life and Education

John Bulwer was born in London, England. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he was educated in the classical tradition, which was typical for the time. He later pursued studies in medicine, although the details of his medical education remain unclear.

Career and Works

Bulwer's career was marked by his interest in the human senses and communication. He published several influential works that explored these themes.

Chirologia: or the Natural Language of the Hand

In 1644, Bulwer published Chirologia: or the Natural Language of the Hand, a treatise on the use of hand gestures as a form of communication. This work was one of the first to systematically study the use of gestures and their meanings.

John Bulwer by Faithorne

Philocophus: or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Friend

In 1648, Bulwer published Philocophus: or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Friend, which was one of the earliest works advocating for the education of the deaf. In this book, Bulwer argued that deaf individuals could be taught to communicate through a system of signs and gestures.

Frontispiece of Philocophus, 1648

Pathomyotomia

In 1649, Bulwer published Pathomyotomia, or a Dissection of the Significative Muscles of the Affections of the Mind, which examined the relationship between facial expressions and emotions. This work contributed to the understanding of non-verbal communication and the expression of emotions through facial movements.

Anthropometamorphosis

In 1650, Bulwer published Anthropometamorphosis: Man Transform'd, or the Artificial Changeling, a study of body modification practices across different cultures. This work highlighted the diversity of human customs and the ways in which people alter their bodies for cultural or aesthetic reasons.

Legacy

John Bulwer's work laid the foundation for future studies in non-verbal communication, deaf education, and the understanding of human sensory perception. His advocacy for the education of the deaf was particularly influential, as it challenged prevailing attitudes and demonstrated the potential for deaf individuals to learn and communicate effectively.

Portrait of John Bulwer

Related Pages

• Sign language
• Deaf education
• Non-verbal communication
• History of medicine